Send new stories and press releases to JP at news@wgrt.com.

Local News

Lapeer Road to Close Between Abbotsford and Wadhams Roads August 6-7

The St. Clair County Road Commission has announced a road closure planned for this weekend. Lapeer Road will be completely closed between Abbotsford Road and Wadhams Road from Saturday, August 6th to Sunday, August 7th. Local residents and travelers should plan on delays, and patience from drivers is appreciated. 

The detour route is Wadhams Road to Griswold Road to Taylor Road, which is also called Dunlap Road. 

Crews will be completing storm sewer crossings in two locations on Lapeer Road. The two locations are just west of Bartlett Road and west of Hidden Lake Drive. The Road Commission reports that each crossing will require the road to be completely closed, and they will not be under construction at the same time. 

Traffic will not be allowed through the active work zone and will be directed to turn around. Access to homes and businesses, as well as emergency access, will be maintained during the closure, which is planned to wrap up by the end of the day on Sunday, August 7th. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Recap of 2022 Primary Election Results

The unofficial results were in this morning for St. Clair County’s primary election. Big winners so far: Tudor Dixon is the county’s choice to run against Gretchen Whitmer for Michigan Governor, Jay DeBoyer will run in November for State Representative of the newly formed 63rd District, and all five millages were passed.

Congresswoman Lisa McClain had a strong lead over opponent Michelle Donovan, securing around 70 – 80% of the votes in the counties making up District 9. Andrew Beeler easily won the opportunity to keep his seat in the state legislature representing the 64th District. In St. Clair County, Beeler secured over 4,500 more votes than opponent Gary Eisen.

When asked how he felt about his win, Beeler said, “Hard work pays off.” Beeler is known for being an active campaigner, doing a lot of door-to-door campaigning to meet constituents and answer their questions.

The St. Clair County Board of Commissioners results:

  • District 1: Fred Fuller (Dem)
  • District 1: Steven L. Simasko (Rep)
  • District 2: Jorja Baldwin (Rep)
  • district 3: Lisa Beedon (Dem)
  • District 4: Jessica Fye (Dem)
  • District 4: Joi Torello (Rep) defeating Harry Dunn by less than 100 votes
  • District 5: Jeff Bohm (Rep)
  • District 6: John A. Pettinato (Dem)
  • District 6: David Rushing (Rep) defeating Bill Gilmer
  • District 7: David Vandenbossche (Dem)

St. Clair County has 121,168 registered voters, and 40,153 voters cast their votes in the primary election putting voter turnout at 33%

For more detailed results go here for St. Clair County results: https://electionreporting.com/county/3797c87a-8a78-4b8e-8404-f34b3ffce54d

Sanilac County: https://www.sanilaccounty.net/PublicPages/Entity.aspx?ID=196

Macomb county:

https://clerk.macombgov.org/sites/default/files/content/government/clerk/pdfs/elect-2022-08-02-unofficial-summary-results2.pdf

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

This story was written with information available at 7:00 AM 8/3/2022

Magna Looking for Recent High School Grads Interested in Manufacturing Careers

The Magna Corporation built a 345,000 sq. ft. state of the art manufacturing facility in St. Clair in 2021. Magna Electric Vehicles Structures was a more than $70 million investment in the community, and they are looking to recently graduated high schoolers to meet some of their employment needs.

On Tuesday, August 9th from 10 AM – 1 PM, Magna is partnering with St. Clair TEC to connect with recent high school grads at a lunch and learn.

Participants will enjoy a free lunch and the opportunity to learn more about Magna, tour the facility, and discover career opportunities with the company.

Recent high school grads interested in attending should register here: https://bit.ly/AUG5LandL no later than Friday, August 5th.

The event will be at Magna’s Facility at 1811 Range Road in St. Clair where the company manufactures battery enclosures for the automotive industry.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

Now is the Time to Lock in Winter Propane Costs

Nobody really wants to think about winter heating right now, but the Michigan Public Service Commission is advising homeowners who use propane to heat their homes to start planning ahead.

Propane is used by almost a quarter of residents in the Lower Peninsula, with the highest use in rural areas. Michigan uses more propane to heat homes than any other state.

The MSPC says now is the time to shop around for the best deals on propane and to lock in a rate. Energy prices have risen dramatically, with much of the blame being placed on the ongoing fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, according to the MSPC.

Propane providers do offer budget plans along with pre-buy and fixed price plans that are a buffer against higher prices later in the season. Know the size of your propane tank and your average use to prevent overbuying or underbuying.

From the Michigan Public Service Commission:

Propane users also can help reduce their costs by using energy efficiently. Check out the MPSC’s Be Winterwise page for tips and information including ways to reduce energy use. The U.S. Department of Energy has additional energy saver tips.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Downtown Port Huron First Friday: Dog Days of Summer

Ever wish your dog could experience the fun and entertainment of a Friday night in Downtown Port Huron? It’s Fido or Max or Buster’s lucky week, since it’s First Friday, and this week’s theme is “Dog Days of Summer”.

Each “First Friday” of the month has a different theme and this month it’s dedicated to man’s best friend, dogs. Dogs are welcome to stroll around downtown with their owners and see what kinds of treats and surprises the downtown businesses have for the canine customers.

There is a Pet Parade and Costume Contest planned for 6:00 p.m. at A Little Something on Quay. Community members such as Mike Kinyon, Kathy Swantek, Patti Samar, and Carolyn Crowe will be judging the pets for Best Costume, Funniest, Most Creative, Prettiest, and Cutest.

If your dog likes rock and roll, The Fabulous Henhouse Boys will be playing on McMorran Plaza from 8:00-10:00 p.m. To get the full schedule of events in Downtown Port Huron, visit the links below.

https://www.mcmorran.com/plaza

EVENTS

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Plan for an Outrageous Presentation of Madagascar A Musical Adventure Jr. at McMorran This Weekend

Port Huron Civic Theatre will celebrate opening night for Madagascar the Musical Adventure Jr. at McMorran Place Theatre Friday night at 7 PM.

Sixty-four kids 18 and under have been rehearsing their lines, learning their songs, and perfecting their dance moves since June, and they are ready to share this hilarious show with the community.

Hayden Valliere plays King Julian, and she says she’s loving the role. “King Julian, he thinks he’s all about himself all the time, so I pretty much get special treatment. I get to be outrageous!”

The show is co-directed by Amy Fabick and Leah Tyrrell, choreographed by Jordan Frontierro and Michelle Elliot, and produced by Danyel Lloyd. The vocal director is Erin Moran, and the show’s student director is Caleb Hodgins.

Leah Tyrrell said preparing for the show has been fun, and they couldn’t pull it off without the support of their whole team, the kids, and the Port Huron Civic Theatre parents.

Tickets are available now on McMorran.com or the McMorran Box office. Shows are Friday and Saturday at 7 PM and Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand